Hello everyone. This is my first post and I’m in a bit of a rotten place. I recently had a lumpectomy for small (14mm) lobular cancer growth (hormone receptive, HER negative) from routine mammogram. I’m 56. I had two lymph nodes removed only because one was sitting on the sentinel. The doctor had thought it would be very unlikely there was any cancer in lymphs. I found out today the sentinel was fine but the non sentinel showed cancer cells and the hospital has sent off for oncotype test. I now have to have all lymph nodes removed and possible chemotherapy based on the results. I’m just so gutted. At each stage there seems another round of bad luck and ‘unexpected’ news.
If anyone has good positive thoughts / experiences / advice I’d really appreciate it, thanks!!
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So sorry to hear how you are feeling lovely! I have no advice really to offer as I am at the start of my journey awaiting surgery but I just wanted to say that we are all here to support you!
I am sure there are plenty of women here who can offer you advice and guidance having gone through similar.
Keeping everything crossed for no more unexpected news for you xx
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I had a similar experience after my lumpectomy about a year ago. In my case it was in all 4 lymph nodes removed in the sentinel node biopsy. I went on the have the axillary node clearance, chemo and radio. I didn’t know it at the time, but have since learned that it’s not uncommon for lobular cancer in the nodes to be undetected by imaging. I found the period you’re in now when you’re finding out the extent of the cancer really difficult. It felt like the strategy of the doctor was to talk only about the best outcome only at each stage, so it was always a shock when it was bad news. Once you’ve had the results of the axillary node clearance (you will probably be offered a choice between this and radiotherapy of the axilla) and the oncotype you will have all the facts. I felt better at that point (no oncotype for me because with 4 nodes at 42 chemo was a given) even though I was facing treatments I hadn’t expected. x
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Thank you so much. It was a real curve ball today, but good to hear your story. It gives me hope, thanks. And good to know it’s gets better after options are known. Thank you!
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Hi frazzle100
Like you called back from a routine mammogram at 58.
I had a 16mm idc removed two years ago and cells were found in the two lymph nodes removed, I then had an auxiliary clearance where no further nodes were affected.
Sample then sent of for onco test which came back at 11.
I went on to have 5 sessions of radiotherapy and Letrozole for 10 years, ibandronic acid for 3 years.
Like you I felt everytime I went for results something wasn’t as expected.
I’m currently waiting for my second annual mammogram due next month.
Hope your results are back quickly.
Sending hugs
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Thanks so much, this is good to hear and what I’m hoping for. Thank you. Good luck with your mammo too x
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Hi FrazzleI was reading your post from an earlier date . I hope this text finds you doing well still . I am a 1 and 1/2 in my journey . My oncotype score was a 9.
I am currently on letrozole as well